From darkness INTO LIGHT
Country Homes & Interiors|September 2021
ONCE KNOWN BY NEIGHBOURS AS ‘THE DARK HOUSE’, EMMA MERRY’S NEW HOME HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED TO CREATE A KITCHEN FILLED WITH NATURAL LIGHT
EMMA MERRY
From darkness INTO LIGHT

Emma chose a slender island as the social hub of the room. ‘I put the sink here, rather than the hob, so that the stools were nowhere near hot pans,’ she explains’,

PROJECT PROFILE

Owners Emma and Charles Merry live here with their children, George, 11, and Monty, seven

House A four-bed detached, built in about 1915, in Surrey

Project Reconfiguration of the ground floor layout to create a new kitchen

Kitchen size 5x3.5m

Designer Emma Merry, designer, Emma Merry Styling

Cabinetry Contemporary Kitchen in Little Greene Rubine Ashes and island in oak veneer and Farrow & Ball Pigeon

A combination of glazed cupboards, open shelves and base units provides plenty of display and storage options

The estate agent’s photograph of this mock-Tudor house was taken from such an odd angle, Emma and Charles Merry almost decided not to view it. And when they did, its dark rooms discouraged a return visit. ‘But something made me go back,’ recalls interior designer Emma. ‘I wanted to find out if I could see beyond the gloom.’

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORSView all
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
Country Homes & Interiors

Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance

The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cabin fever
Country Homes & Interiors

Cabin fever

Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
'Building boats has become my passion'
Country Homes & Interiors

'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Cover-up job
Country Homes & Interiors

Cover-up job

Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
Flights of fancy
Country Homes & Interiors

Flights of fancy

Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
TRUE BLUE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRUE BLUE

A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Country Homes & Interiors

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
Country Homes & Interiors

A GARDEN GLOW-UP

As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
TRÈS BELLE
Country Homes & Interiors

TRÈS BELLE

Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
HOME AT LAST
Country Homes & Interiors

HOME AT LAST

Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024